River Valley ECA

Dear Teachers,

Do you need help with lesson plans or themes? Did you know UAFS has a collection of theme boxes and additional teaching materials for FREE that you can check out for your classroom.

Email Christina Strunks at christina.strunks@uafs.edu or call (479)788-7249

A Statement of Support from AECA to Arkansas Child Care Providers

September 22, 2025

As a result of the dramatic cuts to the School Readiness Assistance (SRA) reimbursement rates

which were announced this past Friday, we understand that many in our early childhood

community today are feeling frustrated, uncertain and even scared about the future of child care

for Arkansas families.

We hear you—and we want you to know that AECA stands with you.

As an organization committed to supporting early childhood professionals across Arkansas, we

recognize the irreplaceable role you play in the lives of children and families. Child care is the

glue that holds many communities together, allowing families to work and businesses to operate.

While the full impact of these changes is still unfolding, AECA is actively listening, learning, and

advocating to ensure that quality and provider sustainability remain central to any policy

decisions. We are here for you, and we promise to elevate your concerns in every conversation

we have with state leaders.

If you would like to share YOUR story or any information, we encourage you to send an email to:

Board President Natasha Kile

president@arkansasearlychildhood.org

and

Executive Director Paul Lazenby

paul@arkansasearlychildhood.org

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support, have questions, or just want to contribute

to our conversation.

We are proud to stand beside you—and remain committed to preserving the high-quality early

childhood education system we’ve built together in Arkansas, while continuing to strengthen it

for the future.

If you would like a printable copy of this statement, you may download a copy here:

Download a copy here

Better Beginnings

Don't forget about the FREE resources from the Better Beginnings website. Click the image to access curriculum and circle time pintables. .

Meet your 2025-2027 Officers

Want to become an Officer?

Click the image to sign up

Links for your Classroom

Books

Gross Motor

Fine Motor

Crafts

October Activities

Sensory

2026 Training Challenge

Arkansas Early Childhood Association

Keep up to date with thing's going on in our state!

Training Feedback Form

What training(s) are you interested in? What training do you need? We want to hear from YOU! Click the image to fill out out professional training feedback form!